When the ancient Polynesians invented surfing, they often used a paddle to help them navigate. Fast-forward a few millennia, and Stand-Up Paddleboarding, or SUP, finds itself trendy again. Part of its increasing popularity is that standing upright allows surfers to spot waves more easily and thus catch more of them, multiplying the fun factor. Paddling back to the wave becomes less of a strain as well. The ability to cruise along on flat inland water, surveying the sights, is another advantage. Finally, its a good core workout. If youre sold on the idea, schedule an intro SUP lesson, free with board and paddle rental, and you may find yourself riding the waves like a Polynesian king.More

Many of us remember coming home from our elementary schools with freshly glazed pinchpots, cups, or whatever else our young imaginations could conjure up. Saturday mornings at the Randall Museum can bring that memory back, or create a new one for the youngsters. Ceramics make great gifts — especially on Mothers' and Fathers' Day. Hop on board for the Randall's once-weekly class, and for $6 and two weeks to have your work fired and glazed, you'll have all the materials you need.More

When the San Francisco Arts Commission wanted someone to dress up City Hall for the building's 100th anniversary last year, and become the structure's first artist-in-residence, it took a leap of faith by choosing Jeremy Fish.

One of the best reasons to live in San Francisco is the expanse of park and outdoor spaces available. Routine and workloads can make us forget to enjoy the dozens of neighborhood parks. Certainly the weather here makes it hard to plan a nice day out, but as Twilight at the Presidio (from Off the Grid folks) shows, even on cold days, it’s still a lot of fun.

I swung by Twilight last week to check out the new cocktail menu from Quality Beverage, the bar at the event. While Twilight took the month of July off, the bar revamped the menu with new drinks, including a hot cocktail. While the drinks stick mostly with the classics, they cover a satisfying range of flavors and spirits to give most everyone something to enjoy.

My preferences always leans towards whiskey, so perhaps it’s no surprise that the Old Fashioned ($10, Bulleit Bourbon, muddled sugar and Angostura Bitters) served with orange and cherry garnish, was my favorite of the night. A stiff whiskey cocktail on a cool night sitting near a firepit in an old military post felt as appropriate as it was delicious.

click to enlarge

Lou Bustamante

A chill proof Warm Spiked Apple Cider

If you plan on coming here, bring layers and be ready for most any kind of weather, and sometimes, all of it: like any part of San Francisco this close to the bay, you might get the full spectrum, from warm sun to cool, foggy night. But don’t worry, the Off the Grid folks have prepared for this. The parade grounds sprout with cocoon-like cabanas that can look like mushrooms, but most importantly provide the most protection from the whole range of elements. There are also propane-fueled fire pits for those who don’t manage to get a cabana*.

If you don’t manage to snag one and the evening gets cold, grab a seat near a fire and a Warm Spiked Apple Cider ($8, dark rum, homemade spiced apple cider). A few sips in, you’ll discover that the Presidio is just as beautiful in the fog as it is in the sun.

*Hot tip: While I can never seem to get there early enough to score a cabana, a good thing to note is that most people get there early and often leave early. Get there towards the end of the event for a better chance to score one.

Like us on Facebook

Slideshows

Sub Pop recording artists 'clipping.' brought their brand of noise-driven experimental hip hop to the closing night of 2016's San Francisco Electronic Music Fest this past Sunday. The packed Brava Theater hosted an initially seated crowd that ended the night jumping and dancing against the front of the stage. The trio performed a set focused on their recently released Sci-Fi Horror concept album, 'Splendor & Misery', then delved into their dancier and more aggressive back catalogue, and recent single 'Wriggle'.
Opening performances included local experimental electronic duo 'Tujurikkuja' and computer music artist 'Madalyn Merkey.'"